CHICAGO (Nov. 12, 2021) – U.S. Soccer and the Dream Machine Foundation will be making a former barista’s dream of becoming a professional singer a reality by providing King Kell the opportunity to sing the National Anthem before USA-Mexico, presented by Allstate.
Started by Charlie Rocket, the Dream Machine Foundation’s mission is to make dreams come true for individuals who lack the finances, resources, and support to achieve their dreams. Earlier this fall, Kell was a barista facing homelessness, but with the help of the Dream Machine Foundation, he’s been able to launch a music career.
Singing tonight's anthem in Cincy... King Kell 🎵 🎵 🎵 pic.twitter.com/uXbIb7qCyq
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) November 12, 2021
A native of Greensboro, N.C., Kell will perform in front of a sold-out crowd at TQL Stadium as well as a national audience on ESPN2 and ESPN+ before the U.S. Men’s National Team takes on archrival Mexico.
Just 21 years old, Kell sent Rocket a message when he ran out of money for a hotel room. Rocket caught wind of his musical talent and set up an unforgettable weekend, performing at the Life is Beautiful festival in Las Vegas and recording in the studio with Aloe Blacc in Los Angeles. Blacc serves as a mentor to Kell and recorded “Made From the Stars,” ESPN’s musical anthem for its coverage of the USMNT’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
Rocket will be recognized as U.S. Soccer’s One Nation Game Ambassador for USA-Mexico. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Rocket pursued his childhood dream of becoming an athlete and has now dedicated his life to making other people’s dreams come true through his Dream Machine Foundation. His goal is to become a new type of millionaire- one that makes a million dreams come true.
